AKA: Airelle, Dyeberry, European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Whortleberry, Wineberry

For nearly a millennium, Europeans have been using bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a traditional treatment for diarrhea, The fruit of the bilberry shrub contains a high concentration of tannins, which have both anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.  This ornamental shrub is a perennial, and can be found in damp woodlands and moorlands in a multitude of climates. In the United States, they are known as huckleberries, and you can find over 100 species with similar names and fruits throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

 While bilberry appears to be safe, and has been used as a traditional folk medicine for many different conditions, it has not been scientifically proven as an effective treatment for any health condition. Discussing Bilberry with your health care provider is a good idea if you happen to have any preexisting conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or any type of bleeding disorders. If you experience any side effects from using bilberry, seek medical advice immediately.

Uses

Traditionally, the leaves and the fruit of European bilberry have been utilized for their astringent and antiseptic qualities and were used to treat diarrhea, dyspepsia, infections and burns. Later on, it was used to help battle scurvy, diabetes and other related disorders.  Rumors persist that during World War II, pilots in the British Royal Air Force used bilberry jam to help increase their night vision. Since then, Bilberry has been used by people who suffer from poor night vision as well as other ophthalmic problems including myopia, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.  Besides being marketed as a herbal supplement for vision problems, bilberry extracts are also touted as being effective against capillary related disorders such as capillary fragility, varicose veins, venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.  Bilberry is also high in antioxidants, making it an ideal anti aging herbal supplement.

While the origins of the RAF bilberry jam stories seem unclear and a recent study by the US Navy found no effects of bilberry extracts on their pilots night vision, there have been studies that show that bilberry does help reverse the effects of degenerative eye disorders and macular degeneration. Researchers believe that the tannic and cinnamic acids within the plant are responsible for this, although much more research is needed.

The leaves of the bilberry plant have been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal disorders and have also been used along with the bark of root as an application for ulcers. Modern Science, however, has failed to reproduce these claims in the lab.

Recent research showed that Bilberry extract has promising anti-ulcer activity, both preventive and curative. It also has shown anti-cancer properties in animal experiments. When administered to diabetes patients, Bilberry normalised capillary collagen thickness and blood sugar levels in humans and animals.

Preparation

To make bilberry tea, place 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 teaspoons of mashed berries in cold water and simmer for ten minutes before straining. To make bilberry leaf tea, steep I gram of finely cut leaves in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes and strain. Bilberry leaf tea, is not something that most experts recommend however. Capsule and tablet forms of bilberry extracts are also available.

Dosage

Herbalists recommend taking around 20 to 60 grams of the fruit a day, or 1 to 2 ml of the tincture. Capsule and tablet form of bilberry extracts are usually standardized to provide 25% anthocyonosids and 240 to 600 mg per day is the usual recommendation.

Side Effects

Bilberry has been used as a food source for centuries and is considered safe to use in moderate amounts, Very few side effects have been reported when it has been used at recommended doses. Bilberry extracts also have very few adverse side effects when taken with discretion. In one post marketing study of Myrtocyan, a commercial bilberry extract,  4% of the 2285 patients had gastrointestinal, nervous system or skin complaints. As always, talking to your health care provider is highly recommended before your try bilberry, especially if you have certain allergies, or you are on drugs to control diabetes or high blood pressure.

coming soon....